Kursk operation stopped Russian occupation of Sumy and Chernihiv regions – Zelenskyy

He made this statement during the "Ukraine 2024: Independence" forum.

"The Kursk operation delivered several results. Firstly, it prevented the occupation of the Kharkiv region. We had intel on plans to create a buffer zone in Kharkiv, and later in the north... We weren’t clear on the specifics, but we understood that Sumy and Chernihiv regions could be next on their list," Zelenskyy said.

He noted that both Ukrainian and foreign intelligence agencies provided reports on potential Russian troop movements, though the Ukrainian side didn’t have exact details on the "Kremlin's intentions."

The president emphasized that the operation in the Kursk region "ensured the non-occupation of Sumy and Chernihiv regions" and inflicted significant losses on Russian forces.

• Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Russian military leadership decided to redeploy about 30,000 troops from Ukraine to the Kursk region.